Tulsa, Oklahoma

The second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and among the top 50 in the U.S. with nearly 400,000 residents, Tulsa was once heavily reliant on the oil industry. But like many cities, it was forced to diversify and create additional economic bases in energy, aviation, finance and technology. Tulsa is also home to the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University. Relying on a series of factors, Tulsa has been named one of the most livable cities in the United States by several outlets, including Forbes. Tulsa is also known as the birthplace of Route 66, the legendary route that first linked Chicago to California. On the music scene, Tulsa has produced a range of artists, from Garth Brooks to the Gap Band.